5 April 2019

Newsletter Articles

Our School Values –

Reminder what’s coming up

April

22 Public Holiday
23 All Students Return to School
24 ANZAC Day Assembly
24 Veto Cup Open Boys
24 Junior AFL vs Palm Beach
24 ANZAC Day Drumline
25 ANZAC Day Public holiday
26 Normal School Day
26 Year 7 SPL Round Robin
29 Open Girl’s Veto Trophy
29 Northern Collegiate Meeting
29 Year 6 into Year 7
30 Broadwater Cross Country
30 EXCITE Morning Tea

For more info please see at the link below

From the Principal

Dear Helensvale State High Community,

I would like to share with you a story which demonstrates how amazing our students are. As you are aware, Chappy Long runs a breakfast club for our students every Friday. Whilst this provides our students with a nutritious start to the day, there is much more to this breakfast, as I found out when I volunteered to help out at the breakfast in Long’s absence. Beside me were wonderful students who helped set up, prepare and serve the food to their peers. Joy, our Health Nurse, and Ms Young, teacher, were there serving our students as well. Every student that was served was so polite and well mannered, sharing stories about their week and what they were going to do on the weekend. Everybody was checking in with each other. It was clear that it isn’t just the food that makes Friday breakfasts so popular, it is about the relationships and the culture that stem from coming together at the breakfast.

From being on toaster duty, I was then met by another student who had emailed me the night before concerned about the litter around the 7-Eleven store. More concerning was the fact that it was going to rain the next day which would have resulted in litter being swept into the drains and out to sea. So we met her friend and went to collect the litter. I will call these students my ‘environmental warriors’. Whilst collecting the litter, every student I asked (and there were a few hundred) willingly picked up a piece of litter to support our clean-up. One student stopped to ask what we were doing. When I explained, he said he would like to help out as well.

During this time, a student lost his bag. Our environmental warriors found the bag and took it to student services. All of this before first bell. What a great start to the day it was and we should be all proud of our students. It might sound small, but in the scheme of things our students continue to demonstrate how respectful, responsible and resilient they are and how much they care for each other and our school.

Parents and Citizens Association

The Parents and Citizens Association met last Wednesday 27 March for the first General Meeting of the year followed by the Annual General Meeting. It was great to see so many new faces as well as existing members of the P and C Association. Congratulations to the newly elected members of the P and C Executive team:

President: Nerise Moore
Vice President: Karl Wall
Vice President: Melissa Young
Treasurer: Leanne Watt
Secretary: Robert Landman

The Executive positions are in a voluntary capacity and the school community appreciates the giving of your time to ensure our P and C Association remains viable, dynamic and always acting in the best interests of our students.

I would like to thank Mr Whitehouse, his Year 12 Hospitality students and staff helpers for providing a wonderful three course meal prepared and served from our new Karangbah building as part of their assessment.

Term 2 P&C meeting dates:

Tuesday 14th May, 6pm to 7pm
Wednesday 12 June, 6pm to 7pm

ThinkUKnow (Monday 13 May, 5.30pm, Upper Coomera State College, Performing Arts Centre)

Upper Coomera State College is hosting a ThinkUKnow presentation for parents. Invitations are extended to all interested parents, carers and teachers of the Northern Collegiate Schools.

ThinkUKnow Australia is a cyber-safety education program that educates parents, carers and teachers of how people are using technology, the challenges they may face online, and how to help them overcome these in a safe and ethical way.

ThinkUKnow Australia is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Microsoft Australia, Datacom and the Commonwealth Bank. The program is delivered in collaboration with policing partners New South Wales Police Force, Northern Territory Police, Queensland Police, South Australia Police, Tasmania Police, Western Australia Police, as well as Neighbourhood Watch Australasia.

The presentation will be delivered by a local law enforcement member and an industry volunteer. The presentation covers issues relating to children and young peoples’ privacy and security online, their relationships with other users and their online reputation. It provides insight into the devices young people are using, as well as the popular websites, apps and social networking sites they’re accessing.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about young people and the online environment, and how you can help them to be safe and responsible users of technology.

For more information, you can visit the link below.

Cyber-Safety and Anti-Bullying Parent and Carer Forums

This term students participated in a number of educational programs regarding cyber-safety and bullying. As keeping ourselves safe on-line and taking action against bullying is the responsibility of the entire school community, we will be offering forums for parents and carers on the topic of cyber-safety and bullying, led by experts, with an opportunity for focussed discussion on how we can move forward as a community.

Parent forum dates:

Thursday 30 May, 6 to 8pm
Thursday 20 June, 6 to 8pm

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy holiday and hope you can take the time to recharge, reinvigorate and relax in readiness for another term of great opportunity at the Vale.

From the Deans

NEWSLETTER WEEK 10 PB4L

Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) focus for week 10 is ‘Appropriate Community Behaviours’. As we head into the school holidays, we want to remind all students to make healthy and safe choices – not only in the physical community, but also in the online community.

Keeping busy with positive activities is important to counteract boredom. When teens are bored they are more likely to make unsafe choices to entertain themselves.

Some healthy activities include;

• Going to the pool or beach
• Reading a book
• Cooking dinner for the family
• Learn a new skill like skateboarding or playing the guitar
• Write a letter to a childhood friend or family member
• Finally print off some happy photos
• Go for a bush walk/walk the dog
• (For senior students) get more practise driving hours

And if you have cash;

• Trampolining Centre
• Ten Pin Bowling
• Going to the movies
• Get surfing lessons

For free Gold Coast Activities for teens, go to;

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to all of our Bronze Award winners over the past few weeks. This week sees the first Silver Award winners including Charlotte. Well done Year 7 students, you are leading the charge!

Year 10 Accounting

This term students have been introduced to ‘Modern Accounting’.

Through practical and theory based application of basic accounting, they are now able to identify DR and CR’s and what is an asset and liability.

Term two will see students apply their knowledge through ratios, analysis and through the real life application of the MYOB accounting program.

Rest up everyone and well done in your result. Happy Easter, Mrs Perry

NEW KARANGBAH KITCHEN AND RESTAURANT IS NOW OPEN - 2019

It is with excitement that the Year 11 and 12 VET Certificate II Kitchen Operation classes are being taught in our new state of the art commercial kitchen at the Karangbah building which is on the ground floor. The Hospitality students and teachers are enjoying using these new facilities to produce high quality meals. This has been evident with the Year 12 Hospitality assessment functions where many parents, family and friends have been invited as guests to a three course dinner at the new school restaurant. Congratulations to Peter Whitehouse who has taught the students many new skills and co-ordinated all these functions for his Year 12 Hospitality classes. All guests have thoroughly enjoyed this food experience and the students can be very pleased with their efforts.

The P&C AGM was one of the first dinners to be held at Karangbah and this showcased the talents of the Hospitality students in the kitchen and restaurant service to our local school community. Well done to everyone involved in this successful event!

It is also with anticipation we look forward to the incredible terraced landscaping which is an amazing ‘work in progress’. This will provide a beautiful outlook to the Karangbah restaurant and enhance the surrounds to the new function precinct. Helensvale State High is certainly proud of this new Hospitality venue!

Stephanie Wright,
Acting HOD Home Economics

Year 7 in the Spotlight

I put out a call out to all Year 7 students (via email) for those interested in being part of my Spotlight on Year 7 story. These awesome students responded! Enjoy! - Ms Griffiths

My name is Tristan Ellis.
I attended Coomera State School in Year 6.
My favourite thing about HSHS is that we have different teachers for most subjects rather than one teacher.
My favourite subject is History.
Something interesting I learnt this year is how to use a timetable.
My biggest achievement is finding my way around the school.

My name is Antonio, and I used to attend Arundel State School.
My favourite thing about Helensvale is the Academy's.
My favourite subject is BAM.
This year I have learnt about the Pharaohs and about Hatshepsut.
I would love to be in the UFC one day.

My name is Sienna Lane-Gardner.
In year 6 I attended Helensvale Primary School.
My favourite thing about Helensvale SHS is the Dance Academy.
My favourite subject is Dance Academy. I have learnt lots of new dance tricks this year.
One of my biggest achievements this year is probably getting into Dance Academy and the School Musical.

Hi my name is Ryan and I went to Labrador State School last year.
My favourite thing at HSH is how big the school is.
My favourite subject is Math.
Something interesting I have learnt this year is biotic and abiotic factors of the Earth.
My biggest achievement is getting Vice Captain last year.

I am Mitchell King. In year 6 I went to Highland Reserve State School.
I like the nice teachers at Helensvale SHS.
My favourite subject is Science. This year I have learnt how to use a timetable.
My biggest achievement is finding my way through the school.

My name is Madison Gibson and I came from New Zealand, where I was a year 7.
What do you like about Helensvale? Everything.
My favourite subject is English. Essay writing is what I have learnt this year and my aim is to pass all my tests!

My name is Aidan Jackson and it is spelt A-i-d-A-n and I went to an underpopulated school called Pacific Pines Primary.
My favourite thing about Helensvale is that we have EP and my favourite subject is Math.
I've learnt that teachers don't yell at you for running on concrete.
My biggest achievement this year is that I got a bronze PB award.

My name is Natarleigh Boyton. I went to year 6 at Helensvale State School.
I like that there are more opportunities at Helensvale SHS.
This year I have learnt that we have more than one solar system in the universe.
My aim this year is improve my grades to be better than primary school.

My name is Brooke Gill and I went to Oxenford State School in year 6.
I like the nice teachers and staff at Helensvale SHS.
My favourite subjects are Maths, Art and Science.
This year I have learnt that there are Biotic and Abiotic things.
My aim this year is to get an A in all 3 of my maths tests.

My name is Isabella Reyes. I attended primary school at Coomera State School.
My favourite thing about Helensvale State High is that I can be independent and know that if I need help, the teachers here will always be there to assist and help the students.
My favourite subject would be maths as I have improved in it heaps and I feel more than capable of completing the tasks assigned to me.
Something interesting that I have learnt so far this year is that you are capable of anything that you want to achieve.
My biggest and most favourite achievement this year is learning and succeeding in the EXCITE academy.

My name is Lara Backhouse. I went to Helensvale Primary.
My favourite thing about Helensvale High is The SWeLL.
My favourite subject is BAM and I learnt about ancient Egypt this year.
My best achievement is creating my ancient Egyptian mummy for the Night at the Museum.

My name is Jackson Duncan and my previous school/s: Gaven State School (2012-2015), Oxenford State School (2016-2018).
My favourite things about Helensvale SHS are the wonderful teachers.
My favourite subjects are Humanities, Math, Science etc.
Something interesting I have learned this year is that Miss Ulbrich also enjoys Eurovision
One of my biggest achievements has been earning two awards at school graduation (and going to Eurovision - Australia Decides :D).

My name is Carlos, or CJ, Kerr and I went to Gaven State School in year 6.
My favourite thing at Helensvale SHS is the food.
My favourite subject is Futures.
Something I have learnt this year is how biomes work.

My name is Montana Ma'aelopa and I went to Ashmore SS in year 6.
My favourite thing at Helensvale SHS is that it is really big so you can make friends nearly every day. My favourite subject is Humanities.
Something I have learnt this year is that women in Ancient Egypt were treated fairly equal but that was better than all the other countries at that time.
My biggest achievement is making Jags netball rep.

My name is Sienna-Rose Bartz and I went to Pimpama State Primary College.
My favourite thing at Helensvale is that they have amazing sport and academic clubs.
My favourite subject is BAM.
Something interesting I learnt was that people get buried alive in ancient Egypt.
My biggest achievement was making the Northern Gold Coast Representive Netball Team.

My name is Kiara Bentley and I came from Helensvale State Primary School.
My favourite thing about Helensvale High School is the drama academy program and how it helps young actors and actresses to become the best they can be in acting.
My favourite subject apart from Drama is Humanities, because, leaning about the past, educates us and helps with the future.
Something interesting I have learnt this year was, all of the strategies in drama to bring realism to the stage. Another thing is, learning about Hatshepsut and what an amazing pharaoh she was to ancient Egypt.
My greatest achievement is, improving all of my skills in school from mainstream to my academy position.

My name is Jasmine Anthony and I come from Helensvale State School.
My favourite thing about Helensvale SHS is the academy programs as I am currently in the netball academy; everyone is so lovely and so welcoming.
My favourite subject is Humanities (history) because we are currently learning about Ancient Egypt and the teachers make this subject so fun to learn about. The most interesting thing I have learnt this year is all the math strategies we have been given to help us work out and solve problems that in the past were quite difficult. My biggest achievement is getting an A- on my math exam as in the past years I have been a straight C student for math.

Love Bites

This week Year 10 students have been participating in the Love Bite program, presented by special guest speakers.

LOVE BiTES aims to provide young people with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships. All Love Bites programming takes a strength-based approach and views young people as active participants who are able to make choices for themselves and their relationships when supported with information and opportunity for
skill development.

LOVE BiTES education is focused on three critical areas for learning:

Knowledge: youth-led collaborative learning
Attitudes: critical thinking and decision-making and
Behaviours: problem solving and communication skills

The overall aims of the programme are to equip young people with the knowledge needed to have respectful relationships, encourage and develop their skills in critical thinking and assist them in being able to problem solve and communicate effectively. When equipped in these areas, NAPCAN believes that young people can make the right choices for themselves and their relationships that are free from violence and abuse.

Cross Country

Host Families Required For Japanese Sister School Students

Helensvale State High School will be hosting students from our Sister School, Shiraoka High School, from Friday July 26th until Thursday August 1st (6 nights). We are looking for families to take care of our Japanese ‘brothers and sisters’ during this time

Hosting an international student is an excellent opportunity for your family to learn about the culture and language of another country and to make some new international friends.

Host Families will be required to supply three meals per day, transport to and from school (bus travel is acceptable) and a warm, friendly home environment. This reciprocal exchange experience has been going strong for over ten years now due solely to the generosity of families both here and in Japan. While this is a volunteer homestay arrangement and as such does not provide any remuneration, the experience itself is priceless.

If you are interested in hosting a student during this period, please contact Mr Brett Middleton via email (bmidd32@eq.edu.au). Thank you for your support of Helensvale’s International Sister School Program.

Year 10 Work Experience

In 2019 Year 10 Work Experience is scheduled to run on the same days as GIPSA (Tuesday 11/06/19, Tuesday 25/06/19, Friday 26/07/19, Friday 16/08/19, Friday 23/08/19), over Term 2 and Term 3. Interested students have been given a Work Experience Pack. The pack includes all relevant paperwork and due dates. If you require a blue card, this must be applied for before the school holidays. If you require a white card, come and see Mrs Costan in KS11 before the end of Term 1.

Tutorials and Assistance at School

Coming into assessment time students may find they need some extra assistance. We have a number of avenues open to them –

Chat and Chill – Monday 2.15 - 4pm, Wednesday and Thursday 3.00 - 4pm – a drop in session where there is staff and fellow students on hand to help with school work.
Science Tutorials – Monday both lunch breaks in CB05.
English Tutorials – Wednesday 3.00 - 4pm in SWELL.
Maths Tutorials - Thursday from 3.00 - 4pm in S306/S307.

If students are unable to attend these, and need help, please be aware they are able to ask their teachers, who are more than happy to assist.

From the Uniform Shop

Winter is coming! Best get prepared now.

Holiday Programs

Need ideas for keeping your student busy over the holidays? Check out these programs!!

Parent Tools for Cyberbullying

Please see the Australia Government eSafety Commissioner website for tips and tools to assist your child.

From the Guidance Officers

Managing Supervision

When we value something we make sure we guard it, keep it safe, know where it is at all times, put in place precautions to ensure we don’t lose it. In terms of possessions most people would consider family as their most valued possession. It can then be assumed that, having such valuable possessions as children in our care, we would put in place similar, if not greater, care and concern.

Parents love their children regardless of their behaviour. When children are young, parents watch over them, child-proof their environment so they can avoid injury, teach them about keeping safe – stranger danger and road safety rules, keep them close and constantly keep a watchful eye on them at all times. Parents do this to minimalize the risk of harm to children (and to minimize the hours of worry that can eventuate from harm to children).

As children get older, and especially as they move through the adolescent years, parents are faced with a double dilemma:

1. The child’s demand for less (or even limited) supervision and
2. What constitutes adequate supervision without squashing the child’s need for independence (and more importantly their social life).

Here are some hints:

• Keep the communication channels open – talk to your child even if they aren’t talking much to you. Tell them about your day and ask them about theirs. Discuss media issues of interest (opportune time to discuss drugs, alcohol, peer pressure etc)
• Don’t feel guilty about asking who they are spending time with and where they are going. Remember - a parent’s role is to keep their child safe
• Involve your child in forming rules and limits – negotiate, monitor, review
• Get to know their friends – it may tell a lot about what they might be up to
• Let your child know that you trust them; you don’t necessarily trust others (hopefully you have put the ground work in to develop trust)
• Let your adolescent know, that if they are going to someone’s place, you will speak with parents of the other party first (if your child feels uncomfortable about this they usually decide to ‘abort the mission’)
• If possible drive them to the destination and pick them up – if they know you are going to do this they usually behave themselves
• Set clear rules and boundaries eg. your expectations around alcohol; pick up time; expected behaviour – Dos and Don’ts
• Be predictable, reasonable and consistent in your approach to supervision
• Work together as a couple – some children learn to play one parent off against the other
• You’ll instinctively know when your child is mature enough to self- monitor and you can loosen/ cut the apron strings

If things aren’t working:

• Is it because you have too many rules, and are you trying to control too much of your teenager’s life?
• Have you involved your teenager in deciding the rules and limits of their behaviour?
• Have you made your teenager’s limits clear to them?
• Have you been reviewing your rules and consequences to make sure they are up to date and relevant for your teenager’s changing maturity?

It may seem like parenting doesn’t stop – you’re right – once a parent always a parent, but the good news is that all the hard work will pay off, and… you have taught the next generation some important points of parenting.

Support Staff

As part of our Learning and Well-being framework, we have created a Well-being Hub for students and parents, which can accessed through the Helensvale State High School webpage. The hub includes links to other websites and apps which can help to support student well-being, as well as provide information on career pathways. To access these ‘well-being hubs’, click on the icons below, or, go to the HSHS website (https://helensvaleshs.eq.edu.au/), scroll down the page and click on the relevant icon.